The Four Basic Styles of Curtain Drapery

So you're decided to eschew box panels and balloon valances in favor of hanging drapes. Versatile and stylish, it's nearly guaranteed that curtain drapery can satisfy even the most pressing design need. Read on fto understand the four most popular styles of curtain drapery.

Lined or unlined: Curtain drapery can be lined with a second fabric or left unlined; unlined fabrics are lighter, drape easier and allow light through. Lined drapes, on the other hand, are heavier and rarely let in any light. These drapes are lined with varying inner layers of fabric; standard lining is made of thick cotton sateen and is used to help curtains maintain their shape and pleats after cleaning. The thicker interlining is used to add weight, block light and help curtains keep their shape. Thermal lining is cotton lining coated on one side with a thin layer of metal or plastic for insulation and blackout lining is very thick and opaque to keep out all light.

Pleated: Pleats are features common to all types of curtain drapery. Though primarily decorative, pleats also help curtains hang straight as well as drape appropriately. Pleats can be casually created by gathering together the fabric with a sash, or they can be much more formal. Box pleats are created in thin fabric by very precisely gathering and sewing it into vertical stripes. Goblet pleats work better in thick, fancy fabrics and impart a formal air. Pencil pleats are made by gathering and sewing the top of the drape into tight, small pleats and French pleats are created in tightly pleated groups of three spaced evenly apart.

Panels: Versatile and popular, panels are typically floor-length curtains (available lined and unlined) that come in any pattern, color and fabric (box panels, on the other hand, are short and restricted to the top of the window). Bought individually to be used alone or in sets, panels are commonly used to cover French doors and sliding doors. Because they drape well, panels can be put to any use. Usually paired with a top valance or decorative heading, panels may simple and sheer or decorated with plenty of embroidery and embellishment. Panels can be attached to their support by any method from the most basic curtain rod to ornate rings and hooks.

Sheers and laces: Curtain drapes can be made out of sheer material for a light, translucent effect. Sheer voiles, polyesters and silks drape well and impart a billowy effect. If you prefer a slightly thicker, less translucent fabric, semi-sheers are also available. Lace curtains can be thick and crocheted or delicate and light. Sheer and lace curtains can be used alone, with a valance or a heading, or with a second of curtains.